The Game

     Hearts is yet another benign, mindless card game.  This particular
variation is four-handed, with up to four human players allowed.  The
remaining hands are played by the computer.  Players may join at any time.
A computer player will replace any player that leaves the game.

     The object of the game is to score as few points as possible.  Points
are scored by taking tricks with either hearts in them (each heart
scores one point), or the Queen of Spades (scores 13).  A player that
takes all 26 points is said to "shoot the moon" and scores zero, while
all opponents score 26.  As an option, the Jack of Diamonds scores -10.

                               Passing

     Four hands are played, in which each player is dealt 13 cards.  
Each player passes three cards to another player, except on the final
round, when no cards are passed.

                               The Play

     The lead card is the 2 of Clubs.  Each player must follow suit, if
possible.  Otherwise, any card may be played.  Points may not be dumped
the first round.  Hearts may not be led until a heart has been dumped.

     Play continues till all 13 rounds have been played.

                          Notes (Curses Display)

     To specify a card, the player must enter the card rank (2-9, T, J,
Q, K, or A) and, if needed, the first letter of the suit (C, D, H, or S).
For example, entering "jd" will appear as "Jack of Diamonds".

     Messages may be passed to other players by typing ':' followed by the
message.  A scrolling message window exists consisting of lines 23 to the
bottom of the screen (just 1 line on 24-line terminals).  A hidden window
behind the play and score windows contains an additional 5 message lines,
above which are the cards being played.  To toggle this window, type 'm'.
To see the last hand, type 'l'.  To let the computer make your selection,
type '?'.

                            Notes (X Display)

     To specify a card, click on the card bitmap.  A beep indicates that
you did not click on a card.

     To send a message, enter the text in the field below the message
display area and press return.  To toggle the last hand display, press
the Toggle Last button.  To let the computer make your selection, press
the Auto Play button.